Carving and Coloring an Antique Victorian Chair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this 19th Century balloon back chair whose crest rail has broken off entirely, among other maladies. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@adhc8560]

When one finds a new video by Mr. Johnson, one can do nothing other than hit "Play", sit back, enjoy and declare it Pretty Good. Anyone who thinks these kinds of restorations/repairs are too expensive needs to watch this and see how many hours of intensive, painstaking work goes into just ONE chair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Chairs can soak up a lot of time! There are so many elements to it

[@jacobslichter2693]

These videos offer many lessons applicable beyond the realm of furniture repair. As a writer, I’m reminded that something that looks like a mess can be brought back to life. It requires not only the skill that Tom exhibits, but also the patience, humility, and a graceful self-forgiveness that make his videos so deeply instructive and inviting. Thank you, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate that!

[@junebatty5503]

I love your videos. I love how you explain everything in a calm voice. No yelling or stupid giggling. No horrendous music during fast forwarding. I love listening to the sounds of sawing and sanding and most of all the animal clips at beginning and the end. Thank you for such an enjoyable and informative video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@lizeggar2421]

I do too. Please don"t ever change the way you make your videos.

[@bubba8]

This man fixes all the wooden parts with confidence and no hesitation. A master craftsman and mentor.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gibadias1637]

Your dog's face looking at you while working is priceless!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love it too

[@markharris5771]

Any video that starts with: "Hello, I'm Tom Johnson of 'Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration' in Gorham Maine." and ends with "It looks pretty good." is going to be filled to the brim with phenomenal skills and encyclopaedic knowledge. This one was no exception, and your attention to detail is amazing. The fact that you put endless effort into getting your work as perfect as possible shows your outstanding craftsmanship. My respect and admiration for your work is boundless and I am always in awe of your amazing abilities. However, that respect always goes up a notch when you outsource work to other specialist craftsman that work outside your remit. I know there are several restorers on KZbin that seem to feel they have to do everything, though I think these are extremely competent hobbyist rather than professionals. No offence at all meant to them as their skills certainly surpass mine by some distance. But your work is of a totally different level, and I'm sure you must be one of the top furniture restorers in America. I would say the same about the U.K. if you lived here. The finished chair was stunning, and I wouldn't have been surprised if there wasn’t a tear or two from the owner when it was returned. I’ve noticed before that you use two bandsaws, is this to save spending half the day swapping out blades? Or is there another reason please? Another absolute gem Thomas, thank you very much for bringing thirty minutes four seconds of sheer pleasure into my day.

[@deettekearns9092]

“...in Gorham, Maine.” :0]

[@markharris5771]

Deette Kearns I had a rather unusual form of dyslexia there 😂

[@bxmachine]

Couldn't agree more Mark, i had words i wanted to say about this film but you said it all.

[@markharris5771]

bxmachine Thank you.

[@johndoegta2189]

LOL I always thought he said "Gour-met" with a pause as if it was another little trademark of his like the "looks pretty good" thing!

[@saraha.9149]

Your pup, watching every move you make and listening to every word you say is the sweetest thing ever. Love your videos!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I love that people actually watch them!

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

The wildlife is as good as the repair work. Love them both.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@nv1493]

Your lab reminds me of our sweet Bentley, gone 3 years now RIP. He'd be with me in the shop and on the back of the ATV when I checked fences on our property. Great memories.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They just don't live long enough. What great companions!

[@wayneshirey6999]

Always look forward to another episode of "Thomas Johnson, Furniture Surgeon." Haven't been disappointed yet. Nice piece, great repairs and fantastic color/finish work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@MKHobson]

Your pup is enjoying the masterclass! "If only I had opposable thumbs..."

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She's actually pretty good at untying knots, etc

[@andrewharvey3454]

I think it's more like " who are you talking to? There's no other Humans here"

[@zaygezunt]

"This is a balloon back chair from the 1880s" Tom's dog: Yep, I knew that PS Another wonderful restoration, your videos are always a pleasure to watch, thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gemgari]

Tom Outstanding! Love watching a true craftsmen work! Gary from NJ 👍❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gregday5169]

Masterful....A new life for an old piece. " looks pretty good" is a classic understatement.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@acas9817]

I'm watching these videos as the world is in some sort of meltdown. So relaxing to watch something restored with care and made beautiful and useful again. Thank you for making these.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@marykayryan7891]

It's no wonder it was thought during the medieval period that people who could do the kind a specialized work you do had magical powers. Looks pretty magical to me. Amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think they did!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I hope I left a great comment the last time I was watched this. So incredibly talented.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@justpeachy759]

He takes so much care not to further damage the pieces. Master restorer!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's true - I try to never make the damaged area larger

[@umpbumpfiz]

Replacing missing bits of curved wooden parts is so impressive, especially when it's complicated with decorative carving. Inspiring work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@viscache1]

Another triumph from a basic salvage to your end product of usable furniture is nothing short of a miracle! Good on you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@markduncan6690]

A master for detail!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks again!

[@daleyounts3426]

Beautiful work. So glad the upholsterer could save the needlepoint. A family treasure.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the upholsterer is amazing!

[@joycecarter4597]

You are not only amazing with your knowledge and skills, you have artistic talents as well! You have done an amazing job yet again! I watched you do that fancy carving work and couldn't believe my eyes! You never cease to amaze me! 😀 💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kodychristian3738]

I guess Im randomly asking but does anyone know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@stevenroman3564]

@Kody Christian Instablaster =)

[@popazz1]

My daily fix of Master Craftsman Tom Johnson's magic. Okay, TWO fixes, I didn't have too many chores today. Victoriana is a favourite era of mine so between your channel and the Farmhouse-Vernacular channel I've pretty much got it covered.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll check out the Farmhouse-Vernacular

[@beargaming6200]

Mister Thomas is a true Craftsman, Excellent work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you kindly!

[@carljames9351]

The woodwork and the finishing are two trades and you’re master of both

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Most people don't think of them as separate trades, but of course they are!

[@mbrown2886]

WOW! The client must have been Overwhelmed with how this Chair turned out! Another Perfection Restoration from Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jimzucker]

i'm a simple follower: I see you uploaded a new video and i push the like button before watching it because i know it will end up looking pretty good

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@mossmonaco9061]

Love the way the apprenticed pooch is listening so diligently to the lesson from the master maker.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She knows who has the treats!

[@shelleysolomon2228]

Amazing complex great job. My grandpa made a Victorian oval walnut sofa for my parents wedding day; you’d love it. I’ve kept it in pretty good shape: walnut flowers cherubs, horns....

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You are so lucky to have that!

[@sandrasaunders1815]

Love that you include the up close work in video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My favorite shots are the close ups!

[@paulerickson1906]

It's amazing how much time can be spent just fixing little broken out pieces of wood and dings. I know this from experience. Been down that road more than once.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And we'll go down it again, and again, and ..........

[@AJsWargaming]

Always harder to fix other people's poor work. Making chicken soup out of chicken feet comes to mind. Masterful work by you and your upholsterer. Saved an old wreck from the fire pile and made it an heirloom again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@garymallard4699]

Your dog is intently watching you as you personally explain what your about to do...and only for it to hear... 😄 they are remarkable companions!! 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! So true! (it helps if you treats in your pocket!)

[@garymallard4699]

@@johnsonrestoration does that work with the wife??🤔

[@sharon7580]

Wow, your workmanship is superb! The chair will be in the family for generations to come. 🤗❣️🌸👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@zari114]

I love the way your dog pays so much attention when you explain what has to be done!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She's a good girl!

[@MystiqueULH]

I knew a lady in Germany where I grew up who had a store selling notions doing alterations, selling yard and even taking up runs in silk stockings (guess that shows my age) she would save small pieces of thread of unusual colors and also fabrics. Many a times someone came in and had a few stiches that opened on a glove or some other thing and couldn't find the color thread to match. Well this lady was usually able to fix them up. You seem to be the same way with old nails hardware and pieces of wood. I love that about you because I am the same way. Eventually there is a use for the stuff we save. We have become so much of a throw away society that this is really refreshing. Love you work on the chair one can not see where the repairs were done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's a balancing act between being a good re-user and being a hoarder! In order to use old stuff you need to be really organized though. No good to save it if you can't find it!

[@midjetville]

Putting the gouge into the vice and moving the workpiece along it is a great trick. Always learning so much watching your videos, thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@StonyRC]

LOL - that's not just a repair / restore ... that's a work of art in its own right!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@glencrandall7051]

Very nice repair Thomas. I'm surprised to hear you only had about 12 hours into the project. I would have expected a bit more. Your client must be extremely happy with the result.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They haven't seen it yet - here's hoping!

[@francoisfouche2568]

I still wish I could see some of the reactions when they see their heirloom after the repairs but I understand it is not possibe! Thanks for the video's !!

[@larrysorenson4789]

So easy on video but having done my Great Grandmothers four similar chairs I can testify to the fact that “It ain’t that easy.” And the fabric restoration is the icing on the cake. It’s ready for enjoyment by generations to come. I still think that you should sign and date your work. Larry in beautiful Arizona.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Larry!

[@ivyloi914]

You're very patient person, I don't mind how long of your video, I will watch till the end,.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great! Thank you!

[@karenzahoruk511]

Sir, you are an artisan and a pleasure to watch. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! That's very nice

[@pgrieco56]

hi tom...this is penny from upstate ny. about 6 months ago i bought an eastlake book case secretary desk off of craigs list. it was not in the best of shape.the drop down front was split and just attached by a thread. i was told that it is mahogany. well, i stripped it right down and refinished it. because of your videos, i was able to fix the drop down front. it's not quite done. i have to redo the shelves on the bottom and put them back in. it's a gorgeous piece of furniture. i just want to thank you for what you do. i didn't know how to repair it until i saw you repair so many things and i thought "i can do that!" and i did! :::)))

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hi Penny! I am so happy that I was able to help you get started! Thanks for watching!

[@pgrieco56]

i love your channel..please never stop what you do!@@johnsonrestoration

[@bradpeters2281]

Truly a skilled woodworker, with all the little cuts and scars on his hands to prove it. I can watch him for hours....and sometimes do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice

[@henningdannenbrink2612]

Ich will hoffen das es jemanden gibt der diesen Mann beerben kann denn sowas kann man nicht lernen das Gefühl für Farbe und Form das finde ich unglaublich ich bin Total Begeistert.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Danke schön! Das ist sehr nett! Ich schätze es

[@ddilink]

Patience and gentleness are absolute requirements for this art. That's why I could never do it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My guess is everybody has patience for something - just not everything. I have no patience for computer problems or jigsaw puzzles!

[@mickyjb2003]

Hi Thomas, I have watched quite a few of your restoration videos and learnt a lot. This one was outstanding work that finally put back a beautiful chair to its deserved position.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@rick91443]

I agree with Mr. Harris(below). Opened the window this morning on my way up to get changed and begin morning feedings of horses, chickens, etc; will watch it later, says I. Next thing, our aging Lab is reminding me, we need to get going, and I was 12 mins into the video....Always great watching...cheers...rr Normandy, Fra.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I want to visit Normandy!

[@ddoyle11]

Who else finds watching these videos very therapeutic?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well, I find it very therapeutic that so many people enjoy watching them!

[@V.Hansen.]

You're a wizard Thomas! The repairs just disappear.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@hasnainmolu5189]

Sir, you are truly the best. You are on another level. Lost for words. My best wishes to you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thank you!

[@bertharuiz1225]

Outside environment where young fawn comes close for a video has to project a calming affect of mood and also the effect of peaceful surroundings. Incentive to work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Also an incentive to just sit looking out the window!

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

Great video. I loved the repair to the missing chunk of wood on the chair back. I am convinced that Tom could take a cardboard box and turn it into a piece of fine furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! People do make furniture out of cardboard!

[@Floyd-Richardson]

Sir i just love your videos.You are a master in restoring antique furniture.Keep giving us more good video's please.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you, I will!

[@dirkg7062]

Beautiful repair work. Hard to believe you can do these projects so quickly.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@danielmiller2977]

That one looked really tricky! once again, you kept me mesmerized.Well done!! Thanks again for lettn us hang out in the shop.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@yeeeehaaawbuddy]

Here's another video that, in the beginning, seems simple enough, but then you watch and think along with Thomas, finding out that this is a very difficult thing to do. Of course, Thomas makes it turn out great in the end. Thanks for posting!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate you watching and commenting

[@simonholland9164]

Amazing repair as always. I wish we got to see the reaction of some of your clients , they must be so pleased to have their family heirlooms returned to their former glory by you. Thank you once again for a fantastic and instructional half hour.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@keiththrelkeld5890]

I have watched most, if not all of your vids, and I have to say that your skills with matching and carving are eye candy. I do some woodworking too, but you are truly a craftsman. Love your work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rob656]

You amaze me. You are an old world craftsman. Such fine attention to detail.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@marciofilho9156]

What a meticulous work!!!! My favorite one so far :D BRAVO!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yay, thank you!

[@danielcohn-bendit701]

This is probably the most painstaking work I’ve watched you do. And it came out great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@shawnpower6206]

Wow! You really are a master craftsman! Love watching you work. Thanks for sharing your incredible skills with us. Just speechless!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@richardmadsen115]

I watch every video and many several times. I have learned so much from you and have worked on new projects because of your teaching. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm glad to have inspired you!

[@gingerburden3356]

That, sir, is craftsmanship!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jeffreyrua3946]

Mind-boggling craftsmanship and skills in every aspect from carving to finishing. Incredible.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ronwilliams1094]

I could watch these restoration videos all day long!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks!

[@jodyshepard9482]

All that wonderful carving-repair....wow!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gn2932]

I love watching your videos. You are not only a master craftsman, but your video coverage is some of the best on KZbin!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@jimdee5003]

Exceptional carving and color matching. Beautiful chair

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@Legaleze]

One word......amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cathuggerniowacity]

It never occurred to me that an upholsterer could rescue a needlepoint piece. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Nor I until I started working with this upholsterer.

[@HM-pu9zc]

Simply masterful restoration. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@paulgibson8056]

Jaw-droppingly beautiful work, Thomas. (As usual for you). In your understated manner, you pack an incredible amount of information into every video, and that’s why I often watch them several times. Thanks for sharing your gift and experience with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@marjorie5132]

The Black lab is so cute 🥰🥰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She is! keeps me laughing

[@mikebarnett9475]

Beautifully done Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@ddilink]

Beautiful job. I'm mesmerized by the skill it takes to do this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@normafollet7156]

One can see that you are no amiture furniture restorer. You certainly do a very caring restore to the work at hand. 👍🎓

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@jeanine6492]

More great artistry and tips and techniques to try and emulate. Thank you and keep the videos coming please as they are not only packed with information but are so entertaining and calming to watch!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@collettedobrocke5585]

What a great repair..the upholster turned out beautifully..

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think so too! Thanks!

[@ms.thrify631]

Just want to say I recently subscribed to your channel but I have watched some of your videos off and on for a few years. I have lots of interests and projects that I get involved with (watch lots of channels). I love repairing old furniture and making it beautiful again. This video really spoke to me since I started a jacobean table and chair repair project about two years ago. The chairs really needed some re=carving and I did what I could. I have some tools but I am not a wood worker, but you just provided me with more ideas to reproduce some areas, etc. I have also watched your videos pertaining to repairing the veneer and I pretty much finished that area with your help. I am hoping to go back to working on this set perhaps in the spring and summer. I have many other projects but the rescued jacobean dining set is a big challenge for me. Thanks for all you do! You're a wood working genius! And so meticulous! P.S. I would love to see a picture of your befores and after at the end of your videos! . One tends to forget how bad the piece was with all the work you do!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You are getting plenty of experience! Yes, we need to do better with the befores and afters

[@larryfisher7056]

I'll bet the client is amazed at the change wrought on their heirloom. Great work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Wonderful! Great job and video, as always. Thanks for posting it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it

[@andybyerly5629]

Your little "tricks and tips" are fantastic. Guys like you and Bob Flexener are truly inspirational...In addition to a shop tour, maybe you could collect some shots of something "topical" rather than the summary of an overall repair ( which are great)... As an example : how to repair a cigarette burn in solid wood, on veneer,on the edge...Another one might be how to fix a compression dent again on solid wood , veneer and maybe a corner. Maybe you could pull these out of some of your existing great video...Thank you again for this wonderful channel.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's a good idea, to put together a video from clips from existing ones. I'll work on that

[@rockysmith9250]

I always look forward to your videos! They always leave me spell bound!! 😊😊😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Rocky! Sorry I missed this comment!

[@TomLaios]

Outstanding work Tom.My favourite video so far.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thanks

[@carolmccorry3053]

Wow that was a fiddly job, you must have the patience of a saint. Awesome result

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tadams7447]

Impressive. Truly a master craftsman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@JamesPollMaine59]

The customer must have truly loved the sentimental value of this chair to invest in restoration way beyond the value. I just am in awe with how you repaired this finicky chair. I have never seen a more beautiful repair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Sentimental attachments are indeed strong!

[@rgr3427]

Beautiful repair/restoration once again, thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johngassmann9581]

Your repairs always show great skill and care. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Can't tell it was ever broken. Awsome work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@geoffreykeane4072]

Outstanding work Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@kittonsmitton]

Another stella result from the workshops of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration! Love these master classes! Thank You Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@kittonsmitton]

@@johnsonrestoration Always a pleasure when I see your latest post it makes my day better and brighter! Regards

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

You do AMAZING work! It's nice to see someone that really enjoys what they do and is passionate. I love it

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LB-px9td]

This was a very interesting video. You did an excellent job on this chair. I really enjoyed watching the carving process. That chair looked impossible to repair. You pulled it off. Fantastic

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@daveweber1331]

I think a lot of us would have looked at that wreck of a chair and decided it had lived a full life, and walked away in regret... But you. my goodness! I cannot believe the lengths you go to, to coax that beautiful work of a long-gone craftsman back into its original luster and glory! Some of those joints were distorted, cracked, split, broken, misshapen beyond reasonable hope of ever getting them back to a semblance of their original shape - to say nothing about their structural integrity! The multiple tack holes tell the story of how many times in the decades gone by, that it has been worked over... But there it is, and with the upholster's careful, masterful hand on the cloth work... It's a thing of old world beauty, once again! Amazing, utterly amazing, to me. Like others have already said, your touch with the color matching, knowing just what can, bottle, or rag to reach for to persuade that fresh new, foreign fragment of walnut to cozy up to it's rich old counter-part... That's artistic sorcery, that's all I can say! Years of experience expressed in such quiet confidence that somebody like me is left to lie down, curl up in a fetal position, and rethink one's "delusions of grandeur" from the ground up! Thanks for sharing! It'll keep me humble for at least a day! :-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments, and for watching!

[@jill552]

I love watching you work. Great project. Looks pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@MarcvanExel]

Lovely chair and some great work from the master himself. Thank you for another great episode!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!